In today’s top story, Managing Editor Laura Devaney reports on what several experts had to say about planning successful mobile learning programs during an April 17 webinar from the Consortium for School Networking.

Also, finding the right balance between keeping students safe and letting them explore their world digitally was the focus of an April 21 session during the National School Boards Association’s 72nd annual conference, in which NSBA senior staff attorney Sonja Trainor gave advice on how school districts can open their doors to technology without getting sued.

What do you think of these stories? Share your thoughts in the comments section, or send them to me by eMail.

Top News of the Day

Experts outline mobile learning tipsMobile learning and the ability to give students anytime, anywhere access to school resources are high on every educator’s list, but the technology brings with it valid concerns—including access for students from different economic backgrounds, [ Read More ]

In today’s news, an annual survey reveals that students and parents support online learning and in-classroom mobile devices. Also, stakeholders say that the new TED-Ed site could support Flipped Learning; an online recruiting service is linking athletes with colleges; and though there’s been a national push for digital textbooks, evidence suggests states are slow in adoption.

Does it come as a shock that parents support online learning and in-class mobile tech? Why or why not? Have you sampled TED-Ed yet? Do you agree that states are slow to adopt textbooks? What could be the reason? Be sure to leave your comments with the stories, or email me at mstansbury@eschoolnews.com

Best,
Meris Stansbury, Online Editor

Question of the Week: Read any interesting research lately on the broad scope of education? We want to hear about it! Send us a link, as well as a brief description, of why you’re interested in this research. Please send your response to Online Editor Meris Stansbury at mstansbury@eschoolnews.com. Your response may be chosen to be included in a thought round-up to be published by eSchool News. Please send your response by Friday the 27th.

How one school is incorporating the iPad into lessons
Instructional technologist and blogger Andrew Marcinek in this post describes how a one-to-one iPad tablet computer program at Burlington High School in Massachusetts is translating into engaging lessons for students. In one example, students in a French class are using the application VidEditor to create video reenactments of a favorite scene or chapter from a novel. Meanwhile, as part of a history lesson, students take on the roles of renowned philosophers as they bring the ideas of the enlightenment to life using blogging and Twitter. Edutopia.org/Andrew Marcinek’s blog (4/24)

Has the iPad revolutionized education?
Just two years after its launch, Apple’s iPad tablet computer already has begun to change education. In districts that have been early adopters of iPads, there is some evidence that the devices improve student achievement. In one district, students using iPads earned higher scores in algebra than their peers who did not use the devices. Teachers also said iPads help engage students in learning. However, the iPad’s cost is cited as an obstacle to widespread use of the device in schools. ReadWriteWeb.com (4/23)

Grants to fund mobile assistive technology in 20 Ohio schools
Twenty schools in Ohio each will receive $10,000 grants from eTech Ohio to purchase and implement new mobile assistive technology — such as smartphones, tablet computers, e-readers and Braille devices — for students with disabilities. “Children need to have consistent reinforcement, and mobile technology can always be with a child who may need to hear a word or phrase more than 10,000 times, always in a consistent context,” said Margaret Burley, executive director of the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities. WOUB-FM (Athens, Ohio) (4/19)

Ideas for lessons that incorporate the iPad
Instructional technologist and blogger Andrew Marcinek in this post describes how a one-to-one iPad tablet computer program at Burlington High School in Massachusetts is translating into engaging lessons for students. In one example, students in a French class are using the application VidEditor to create video reenactments of a favorite scene or chapter from a novel. Meanwhile, as part of a history lesson, students take on the roles of renowned philosophers as they bring the ideas of the enlightenment to life using blogging and Twitter. Edutopia.org/Andrew Marcinek’s blog (4/24)

QR codes on exercise trail teach Va. students about fitness
Teachers at Chesterbrook Elementary School in McLean, Va., created an exercise trail using QR codes that students scan with a smartphone to get instructional videos at stations along the path. Physical-education teacher Jay Levesque said that “I can sit right here in the middle and kind of oversee everything and I know the kids are getting instruction …” WUSA-TV (Washington, D.C.) (4/26)

App offers new feature for students with ADHD
An iPad application designed for students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder has a new feature aimed at helping users stay on task. The new “What’s Up” feature allows users of Memory On Demand’s Focus GPS software to transfer tasks from their action list to a personal Facebook page, accessible only to the student, parents, learning assistants and others designated by the student. T.H.E. Journal (4/26)

Mich. district makes investment in iPads
Officials in a Michigan district say they can afford to purchase iPads because they are spending less to maintain their buildings under a bond issue approved by voters in 2000. The district plans to spend $600,000 to provide an iPad for every high-school student beginning in the fall. Protective covers for the devices — valued at $34,000 — are being donated and the district also has received grant funding to improve its wireless Internet service. Sturgis (Mich.) Journal (4/25)

This Week in mLearning Podcast – Thinking Mobile-First [Episode 3 …
By RJ Jacquez
Please let us know your comments by leaving a comment here and thank you in advance for listening and for helping us spread the word about this Podcas on Mobile Learning: Highlights of the week; A paradigm shift: starting to embrace …
The Mobile Learning Revolution Blog